Tedeschi Trucks Brings Tour to Simpsonville with Blackberry Smoke

Tedeschi Trucks Band at CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park in Simpsonville South Carolina

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

Simpsonville, SC (July 6th, 2019) – Currently on their “Wheels of Soul” tour Tedeschi Trucks Band rolled into Simpsonville, SC to the CCNB Amphitheater along with guests Blackberry Smoke and Shovels & Rope. With the previous nights show in Charleston, SC being cancelled due to weather the groups were eager to play for fans who were hoping the weather would be a bit more cooperative this afternoon. Speaking with people tailgating and in line it was evident the loyalty of the fan base for these groups as many had driven from hours away to the show. Some even mentioning they had plans to attend tomorrow nights show in Charlotte, NC as well as the Raleigh, NC performance.

Shovels & Rope

Taking the stage first were Charleston, SC natives Shovels & Rope. The duo consisting of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent quickly began to entertain the crowd with a surprisingly full sound for their country/folk mix. With songs like “I’m Comin’ Out” and “Hammer” from their new album “By Blood” the group drew the interest of many attendees who had not heard of them before. Through out the set Cary and Michael would trade places from guitar to drums as well as share the lead vocal spot. Mid set as Cary began into the bands popular song “Birmingham” some technical issues arose forcing her to pause for a moment to get another guitar. Still having issues the group showed true professionalism as they broke into an acapella performance, before the guitar issue was resolved halfway through the song, showcasing their amazing vocals to a round of applause from the crowd. Finishing their strong set with “Hail Hail” the duo did their job winning over many new fans.

Blackberry Smoke

With a brief intermission and intro music Blackberry Smoke kicked off their set with “Fire In The Hole” from their 2015 album release “Holding All The Roses” followed up by “Let It Burn” from the 2016 album “Like an Arrow.” Having seen these guys numerous times through out the years their show never fails to satisfy. With their blend of southern rock and country the band provides raw guitar riffs and bluesy leads provided by lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr and Paul Jackson, with the foundation of their grooves being held down by brothers Richard Turner on bass and Brit Turner on drums. Keys player Brandon Still provides some smooth depth to the bands sound and guest guitarist Benji Shanks sat in with the group as well.

Touring in support of their latest album release “Find A Light” Blackberry Smoke featured the songs “Medicate My Mind” and “Run Away From It All” with its conclusion bringing an announcement that the band must stop playing for a break due to storms and lighting in the area. Although disappointed the majority of fans chose to stick around in the rain instead of going to their vehicles (pun intended) “Waiting For The Thunder” to pass. With a 20min break the band returned to the stage toning it down a bit with their popular ballad like song “One Horse Town” before closing with the rocking “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” that featured some instrumental jamming leaving the crowd begging for more.

Tedeschi Trucks Band

With a hurried set change to get the headliners on stage as quickly as possible due to the rain delay Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks emerged with guitars in hand right into a three song intro. Opening with “Part of Me,” “Do I Look Worried” and new song “Signs, High Times” from the band February album release “Signs” the group held nothing back as both band leaders traded guitar licks between Susan’s powering soulful voice bringing the crowd to their feet dancing and cheering. Slowing it down for a moment Susan introduced “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces,” a cover by Willie Nelson. Through out the set the band featured other covers such as the Derek and The Dominoe’s pinned song “Keep On Growing” and “Get Out Of My Life, Woman” by Allen Toussaint. A highlight of the night was BBS frontman Charlie Starr joining the group for the Charlie Segar tune “Key To The Highway.”

A nice touch to the show was mixing in moments for each of the backing band members to take the spotlight. From sharing in lead vocals with Mike Mattison, Mark Rivers and Alecia Chakour to solos from the drumming duo of Tyler Greenwell and JJ Johnson, keys player Kofi Burbridge and horn section members Kebbi Williams, Elizabeth Lee and Ephraim Owens the two Band leaders Susan and Derek made sure to showcase each members talent.

With other fan favorites such as “High and Mighty” and another new song, “Shame” the Band left the stage to a huge round of applause pulling them back on stage for an encore of “I Walk On Guilded Splinters” to close out the night.

The current tour and line up continue with shows until August 3rd in Atlanta, GA with August 4th having just been added for a makeup date in Charleston, SC.

Do not alter photos

Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

Tedeschi Trucks Band

• Website • Facebook • Instagram • ITunes • Spotify • YouTube • Twitter •